Caroline could not understand why she was so calm as she followed Gabrielle down the corridors of the Palace. It seemed as though she was fearless, like the first time she came here. Was it because Arielle was already familiar to her? Or was it because the Maiden could make her feel at ease?

That alone ought to make her feel anxious. But she was not. Mayhap because she knew what the woman was capable of. That everything was a game of manipulation.

When Gabrielle left her in the same drawing room as last time, and when Arielle sashayed into the room as graceful as she last remembered, Caroline was not feeling any different. She was so surprisingly calm that she even managed a genuine smile to greet the Maiden.

"I hope that you have settled well in your villa."

"Yes, perfectly so."

Arielle took her hand and squeezed. "And I also hope that you feel safe. That is what our ultimate goal is."

"I do feel safe. My maids are very attentive to my needs. The other Belles are also very accommodating and treat me as one of their own."

"Jade and Ruby are amongst congenial, Caroline. I expect nothing else from them."

Do you also expect them to kill me? She could not help but ask to herself. Arielle could be the one behind all of this. They may just be little foolish pieces on a chessboard she was playing all by herself.

"But we must go straight to business. I do not want any of the women to think something is awry if you overstay in the Palace." Arielle let go of her hand and gestured for Caroline to sit as she did the same. "Have you heard from Princess Renee?"

Caroline smiled. "I have not heard from anyone that I do not recognize," she carefully replied. "I am afraid I will not recognize her if she approaches me."

"She may not do that," said Arielle. "But she may employ someone to do it."

She pretended to think. "I do not recall anyone outside Belcourt approaching me. There may be a few who tried to engage me in a conversation during the few balls I attended, but nothing suspicious."

"But someone from Belcourt may be working for her and the Circus."

"Yes, as you have already relayed. I am very cautious."

"I was also informed that Trent Durham has not yet presented himself to you as your fiancé."

"No, he has not."

"But you recognized him?"

"By his name, yes, when we were introduced."

Arielle smiled. "And what do you feel about him not presenting himself to you?"

Caroline shrugged. "I felt nothing. Sometimes, when we are together, I sense some kind of familiarity, but I cannot point it out."

The Maiden nodded in understanding. "He must also be going through a hard time."

"I cannot imagine. He seems to enjoy his Belle more."

"And you think that is all right?"

Again, Caroline shrugged. "I do not know, honestly. I believe I enjoy my flower more than I enjoy the thought of being betrothed."

The woman's laughter rang around the drawing room. "I cannot imagine how you would enjoy Robert Dior. I hear that he is rather dry."

"Oh, he can be quite charming in private."

"And how have things progressed between the two of you?"

"Slow, but I enjoy it. Since I am affianced, I cannot entirely enjoy the company of my flower."

"Then you have intentions of coming home?"

"Considering the family I came from, I believe they will not allow me to stay longer here."

"Understandable. The duke has been insistent that we keep you safe while the matter about your attack is being solved. He intends to take you back home the soonest he can." When Caroline just nodded, Arielle said, "But you can stay here as long as you like, Caroline. Belcourt will always protect you."

"I am grateful. It has not been long since I came here. I still have much to assess."

"And your memories? Has there been any progress?"

"No, nothing at all. I get constant headaches, but no memories yet."

"The women from the Court of Libraries say it may take some time."

"Yes, I was also informed."

An awkward silence reigned between them. "And any suspicious activities amongst the Belles?"

"No, nothing, I believe. I have tried following them in secret, but found nothing in particular that warrants suspicion."

Arielle nodded slowly. Then her eyes fixed on Caroline. "And your servants?"

"No, nothing."

"They have been the previous servants of Aliya. I am certain you have heard of her?"

"Yes, I have."

"She married into a prestigious family. The St. Vincents."

"They own Sinclair."

"Yes, and they are also suspected members of the Royal Circus."

"I was not aware of that."

"Well, they are. But we cannot say for certain. They own a hospital. It is understandable that people seek their services, including members from the Circus."

"Then do you suspect Aliya and her husband?"

"We suspect everyone."

"Including her former maids?"

"Yes, but we would not have assigned them to you if we were certain of it. Aliya remains loyal to Belcourt. Her sister is here."

"Truly?"

"Yes. Delaney. She is the third lady in Belcourt to have been recourted, in fact."

"Recourted?"

"Yes. She was first courted here in the Palace merely a few weeks ago, but the Court of Flowers appealed that they need her more. She is a new Belle." Arielle stood, telling Caroline that their meeting was ending. "Aliya has been a constant presence here, and it is understandable because her sister is still in Belcourt. But she has also been meeting with your servants."

"Yes, they have asked permission from me. Who am I to deprive them the time to spend with Aliya?"

Nodding, Arielle regarded her thoughtfully. "Still, be wary, Caroline. Your servants may be the very people we are looking for and I would hate for that to happen."

"I am always wary."

"Good." Arielle smiled. "You should."

⠒♣◆♣⠒

When Caroline arrived in the villa, she gathered Fatima, Shay and Carrie in the kitchen.

It was undeniable that the three ladies had been talking to themselves, and they sat around the table looking anxious. They averted her gaze as they waited for her to speak.

"I want to know everything," she said in a calm, soft voice. She studied Carrie, who turned her head to the side. Shay had her head bent on her lap. Fatima's eyes were brimming with tears.

Caroline sighed. She knew this would not be easy.

"You all know that I was in Belcourt just this morning." They remained quiet. "Belcourt is aware of your visits there and your meetings with Aliya."

They shifted in their seats, but their eyes still would not meet hers.

"The Palace asked if I have noticed something suspicious with the three of you."

Carrie's head snapped to look at Caroline, panic in her globes.

"Fret not, I assured the Maiden that you are all pristinely innocent in my eyes." She took a lungful of air, her mind reeling with uncertainty. Would she be doing the right thing? "I understand that you do not trust me. I would feel the same if I were in your shoes. In fact, I feel the same at this very moment. I wonder how the three of you will act if you find out my secrets."

That got their attention. All three women turned their wary eyes at her.

"Would you report me to Belcourt? Would you tie me in a chair while you wait for the Soldiers to come and take me?" Caroline paused then shrugged. "But I am afraid that if I want to gain your trust and loyalty, I should be the first to tell you the truth."

The three of them waited, and she could tell that they were holding their breath.

"I am Caroline Comhar, daughter of the Duke of Remington," she began, smiling when they refused to show any reaction. "I did not lose my memory."

Shay's eyes widened, and she gasped. "You did not?"

"No, I did not."

Fatima frowned. "Then why did you—"

"I was taken from my home in Brierwell. In fact, I was in the cabin I built for the daughter I lost years ago." Caroline held Fatima's gaze as she said this. "Two Belles abducted and interrogated me because I came to a party in Birth."

"Who would—"

"Ruby and Jade. Ruby told Jade to let me go, and they did. But Jade had other plans. She tried to kill me. Left me in the forest. When I awoke, I was in Belcourt."

Disbelief was painted on their face.

"But there is also one very important detail you may want to know. I serve the Royal Circus."

Fatima's shaking hands came to her lips. Carrie let out a soft gasp and Shay could only gape at her.

"At the moment, I am trapped in Belcourt because I somehow made them believe I lost my memory. I am here because I intend to know who ordered Jade to take me down. And also to learn more about Belcourt that shall be beneficial for the Circus."

Then she stopped talking. She waited until the three women could no longer take it.

"Then you must also be working with Aliya," Fatima finally said.

"No, I am not, but I know of her husband. In fact, I am very well acquainted with her new family. Thus, I am quite confident that I can trust the three of you. It is not my mission to destroy Belcourt. The Royal Circus does not intend to do that. What we are after is to find out who is controlling Belcourt."

"We do not know who—"

"Yes, I know, Shay," Caroline said. "Which is why we are here to help each other. If you trust me that is."

They did not look very convinced.

"I would not mind if you report me to Belcourt. My father is powerful enough to pull me out of there. However, I do not think the three of you shall survive if they will give me the chance to do the same to you."

"Are you threatening us?" Carrie asked.

"No, Carrie, I am not. I am desperate to find people to trust in this little horrid world Belcourt has placed us in. And also because I want to get this sorted out before Jade could ruin things for me."

"You suspect that she will attempt to kill you again? But why?" asked Fatima.

"Oh, she has many reasons. For one, she is obsessed with my fiancé."

"Fiancé?"

"Her flower, Trent Durham."

Shay coughed and sputtered in surprise. "No way in bloody hell—"

"But I would rather we talk about my mortal nemesis later. What I want to know now is your story."

Carrie's jaw tightened. Fatima took a deep breath. Shay looked at the other two.

"And I want to know what you have been planning with Aliya St. Vincent."

⠒♣◆♣⠒

August came as the summer ended, and along with it were the many gossips in Belcourt.

One of them caused Lady Mariam's downfall. The Mistress of the Flower Garden was no more.

The reason for it was not a secret. They discovered that she had been keeping a secret lover, something that Mistresses could never enjoy. She was found guilty and sentenced to Sinhold, the gravest punishment any lady of Belcourt could ever receive.

Sasha knew that the gossips circulating Belcourt was not about Lady Mariam.

It was about her.

Why did she do it?

That was one question that often came up during hushed conversations in the Tea House.

Opinions varied.

She should not have done it.

She was too ambitious.

But what she did was right, yes? No one was above the law in Belcourt, even Mistresses. What Sasha did was what any Belle or lady would do. The Soldiers would have done much worse.

Arielle did not take the news lightly. So did the other Maidens, she was told.

Lady Mariam's trial and sentencing were held in private with much rush.

And in less than a week, the position for the Mistress of the Court of Flowers was open.

Sasha received the letter from Arielle the week after she learned of Lady Mariam's banishment to Sinhold.

"Are you feeling guilty?" Rothsker asked.

She looked at Prince Leo, her face unreadable. She had sworn to protect this man so his father could take back his throne. But the truth was Sasha did not care who was in the throne. She only cared that the one sitting there would give Belcourt and its ladies a different future.

"No," she replied, burning the letter. "But I will no longer be your Belle, Your Highness."

Rothsker blinked at her. "What do you mean?"

"I will be taking much arduous task than watching over a child."

He laughed. "Now, now, Sasha. I couldn't be that bad."

She smiled. His dark blue eyes were always mischievous. His bristled chin and black wavy hair tied in a bun were far from West's clean look. Leo had caused quite a stir when he first came out as Ivan Miller, the missing Marquess of Rothsker. But for now, he was safe with his fake identity. "You are too childish that I worry about you."

"I can take care of myself, Sasha." His voice became serious, giving her a glimpse of the prince that he truly was. He sighed and placed his hands in his pockets. "Does Eaton know?"

She nodded. "I already sent a note."

"When are you going inside?"

"In two weeks."

He looked around the lavish drawing room of his villa. "Is that why you are asking me to stay trapped in this bloody place two weeks?"

"Yes."

He narrowed his eyes at her, then at the luggage she had prepared. "Without you, I presume?"

"Yes."

"And where will you be in those two weeks?"

Sasha smiled and did not answer. She walked over to him and gave him a peck. "It has been quite a pleasure to be your Belle, Your Highness. And it shall be my honor to serve you longer as a Mistress in Belcourt."

She stepped away and pulled the hood of her black cloak over her head.

"You are dressed as Darcy," he pointed out when she reached for the door.

"Yes."

"Then I know where you're going."

She just smiled.

⠒♣◆♣⠒

West was in his study in Everleigh, bent on his desk with a frown of concentration. His dog Seven was sleeping soundly by his feet and jumped in panic when the door suddenly burst open and his valet, Darren, rushed in.

"What is it?" he asked, watching the young man catch his breath, his hands on his knees. "What is it, Darren?"

"Your Grace," Darren said, gasping for air. "You will not believe this."

He stood, losing patience. "What—"

The rest of his question was left forgotten as his eyes saw her walk into the room in a black cloak.